Gauteng

Gauteng, the economic powerhouse of South Africa

Gauteng is sometimes aptly called the Place of Gold. Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to Africas greatest cities. From the vibrant metropolis of Soweto, through dynamic Johannesburg, City of Gold to the tree-lined diplomacy of Pretoria, Gauteng is a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from all walks of life, from all four corners of the world.

Gautengs wealth is not only in our gold, but in our people. Our unique cultural and social legacy is our multicultural melting pot, evidenced in our many excellent museums, theatres, galleries, cultural precincts and craft markets. Gauteng has a rhythm, movement and style of its own and it simply never stops.

Gauteng, meaning ‘The Place of Gold’, is certainly not only a place of gold but also boasts a host of other treasures and attractions. It was here that gold was discovered, where the Freedom Charter was signed, where young Hector Peterson died in a hail of bullets during the 1976 uprising. It was here that apartheid fell and the new constitution was written. In Gauteng, Nelson Mandela stood before the nation at his inauguration as State President, calling for peace and reconciliation in a shattered and divided land. Gauteng has risen to the challenge; now the undisputed industrial, financial and commercial hub of South Africa, with an infrastructure unequalled in Africa. It is also the diplomatic, media, academic, research and cultural centre of the country.

Gauteng, although the smallest, is the most industrialized of the nine provinces, and has been a pivotal player in both the history and the development of South Africa for more than 100 years. Satellite towns and cities surrounding the Johannesburg – Pretoria metropolis have, in many cases, developed in their own right. The Vaal River industrial complex, comprising Vanderbijlpark and Vereeninging, which was opened in 1934, was planned to take advantage of the proximity of coal and water. On the East Rand, the city of Springs was founded after the discovery of coal, an all important commodity in the operation of the mines. Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan and Germiston all continue to play an important role in the growth of the province. Kemptonpark and the Johannesburg International Airport have developed together. Close to Pretoria the important industrial suburb of Silverton, the world renowned veterinary collage and research centre at Onderstepoort. To the south of Pretoria, Centurion. On the West Rand, Krugersdorp, Randfontein and Roodepoort.

To the southeast of Johannesburg lies the sprawling metropolis of Soweto, one of the most famous settlements in Africa where the history of South Africa was written on the streets, in the schools and the shebeens. This diverse and fiercely patriotic community led the war for justice and freedom during the late 1970’s. Soweto, which now boasts a population of almost 5 million people, is an exciting and vibrant community with an identity born out of the diversity of it’s people, united by it’s desire for progress and freedom.

To the north the more sedate and gentle city of Pretoria, founded in 1885, and now the administrative capital of South Africa. The Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, dominate the skyline of this cultural, educational and government metropolis.

Throughout the province of Gauteng, from the archaeological diggings in the Sterkfontein Valley, now known to be the very cradle of humankind, to the modern high rise, commercial and financial centres and shopping malls of Sandton there is a sense of excitement in response to new initiatives and opportunities.

This is Gauteng – the place of gold – gateway to southern Africa.

HISTORY

The history of Gauteng has been moulded for centuries by the very location of the province on the highland plateau of South Africa.

The Sterkfontein Valley, situated just 30 km northwest of Johannesburg has yielding some of the most startling archaeological treasures of our time. Scientists working the limestone caves in 1998 discovered a lime encrusted skeleton, which dates the presence of early humankind in the valley to 3,5 million years. This discovery places Gauteng at the forefront of international palaeontological research.

Evidence of iron age smelters on the Melville Koppies and at Lone Hill point to more recent occupation, while San rock engravings in the Magliesberg mark the passage of these hunter gatherers 25 000 years ago

When the migratory people of East Africa moved south to settle and to establish dynasties in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal they will have passed through the region. In later years Mzilikazi, the renegade Ndebele chief, laid waste the area northeast of Pretoria on his passage from Zululand to southern Zimbabwe.

Missionaries and ivory hunters have recorded meetings with the people of Cashan, in the Magaliesberg west of Pretoria, prior to the arrival of the trekkers from the south

Later came the wagon routes, the railway lines and the roads, all responding to the imperatives of the time – to service an exploding giant, the Witwatersrand goldfields.

Pretoria was established on the banks of the Apies River in 1855, and was named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius. Five years after it’s foundation, Pretoria became the capital of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) (also known as the Transvaal Republic), after a bid by Potchefstroom to secure the role as the capital of the Transvaal failed and the Volksraad was established in Pretoria.

Starting as reasons the ZAR’s poor financial position, it’s ineffective administration and it’s lack of control over the Black population within it’s borders, the British annexed the ZAR on 12 April 1877 – surprisingly without one shot being fired. During the ensuing three years resistance to the British annexation built up and eventually lead to war in December 1880 – the First War of Independence. On 27 February 1881 the Boer forces defeated the British convincingly at the Battle of Amajuba, thereby ending the war. Peace negotiations followed, and on 3 August 1881 the Pretoria Convention was signed, giving the Transvaal self government, but not complete independence, as the Transvaal had to accept British suzerainty, leaving Britain some control over the new state. According to the agreement the name Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek was to fall away, and the former Republic was to be known as the Transvaal State. Although the regulations was not completely acceptable to the Boers, at the time they had no other choice. Paul Kruger was elected president of the Transvaal in May 1883 and soon afterwards started a new round of talks with Britain regarding the stipulations of the Pretoria Convention. The London Convention was signed on 27 February 1884, not only restoring the original name to the area (Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek), but also acknowledging full independence of the Republic. Most of the conditions of the Pretoria Convention were also set aside, leaving President Kruger and the Volksraad the time to fully concentrate on the development of their new state.

The discovery of vast gold deposits on the Witwatersrand in 1885 completely shattered the peaceful existence in the ZAR. Although financially beneficial, the government now had to deal with new problems and demands in a fast changing environment. Aspiring black workers trekked to the mines, carrying their meager possessions to their backs, in search of employment. Artisans, craftsmen and miners set up their trades while adventurers, and fortune hunters found good reason to set down roots. By the end of 1886 a new township, called Johannesburg, had been established.

Controlling this ebb and flow of humanity, was a huge challenge for the government of President Kruger. The ‘Uitlanders’ (foreigners) were seen as a threat to the moral standards and beliefs of the people of the Republic, as well as to the independence of the state. Soon these fears were realized with the Uitlanders increasingly demanding property rights, lower licensing fees and equal political rights. To deal with the demands and grievances of the Uitlandesr, a Second Volksraad was established in 1890, responsible for local matters which did not effect the state at large. Conditions for election to the Second Volksraad were very strict and led to the establishment of the Transvaal National Union by a group of Uitlanders in 1892 with the aim of obtaining equal political rights.

The British, under leadership of Cecil John Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape Colony at the time, soon saw the opportunity to use the ‘Uitlanders’ problems as a way to bring the ZAR government to a fall and to create a united British colony and eventually a federation of southern African states under British rule. In order to bring this about Rhodes arranged an uprising to take place in Johannesburg, supported by a military invasion of the territory ‘ in support’ of the Uitlanders. In this grand plan Rhodes had the support of the British Prime Minster, Lord Roseberry, the Minsiter of Colonies, Joseph Chamerlain and the British High Commission for South Africa. Sir Hercules Robinson. The military invasion or raid was to be led by Dr Leander Starr Jameson. Unfortunately for Rhodes the uprising and raid (29 December 1895) was a complete failure, resulting in unifying Afrikaner nationalism and eventually leading to war between the Transvaal and Britain in 1899 – the Anglo Boer War (also known as the Second War of Independence or the South African War).

THE ANGLO BOER WAR 1899 – 1902 AND THE AFTERMATH

The Anglo Boer War was a preventative war. The Boers fought because they believed that they had no alternative if they were to preserve their nationhood and independence. The British pushed the Boers to extremes because they felt that in Afrikaners nationalism there was a threat to the paramount position of Great Britain in southern Africa. Politicians like Cecil John Rhodes, whose ambitious expansionist plans were widely known, did little to calm the situation. Sir Alfred Milner, the governor of the Cape Colony, in which British immigrants would swamp the Boers. Eventually it was the Boers who took the initiative by sending the final ultimatum to the British.

This was a bitter and painful war from which neither side emerged as the victor. The effect on the economy of the Transvaal and the gold mining industry was disastrous. The Boers along with many blacks had suffered incredible indignities at the hands of the British. Many had been imprisoned and their families interned in prison camps. Thousands died through poor management and neglect in these camps.

After the signing of the peace treaty, known as the Treaty of Vereeniging, at eleven o’clock on the night of 31 May 1902, a period of reconstruction and unification of the South African colonies followed, culminating in a united country and the formation of the Union of South Africa on 31 May 1910. A difficult time followed with rebellion, the First World War, strikes plaguing the gold mining industry as the mineworkers sought to established their social and labour rights, the Depression and Second World War. In 1950 the Group Areas Act was promulgated forcing the separation and of the the forced removal of communities throughout the province. It was during these years of social and political tensions that a new breed of leader emerged, Zuma, Tambo and Mandela, who equipped themselves with academic qualifications against all odds in order to serve their growing communities. When South Africa became a Republic on 31 May 1961 the stage was set for growing rebellion in response to a succession of restrictive laws, government’s apartheid policy.

GAUTENG AND THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE

In June 1955, at a conference in Kliptown near Johannesburg, the ANC’s Freedom Charter was signed and ratified by the Congress of the People, signed and ratified by the Congress of the People, thereby heralding a new era in black resistance along with a renewed dedication to the freedom struggle. Milestones during this period of history are numerous and sometimes chilling – the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Albert Luthuli brought international recognition and sympathy to the struggle. The Rivonia Trail, the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and others of Robben Island and the Sharpeville massacre. In 1976 the student uprising in Soweto marked the beginning of the end of apartheid. There were turbulent times through which the province passed, a history written on the streets and on the borders as the people struggled to be heard, understood and freed. Gauteng was at the very cutting edge of the revolution against apartheid. It is appro-priate that when peace came to the country the new constitution was drafted and signed in Gauteng and the new president inaugurated in Pretoria.

TIME CHART OF GAUTENG HISTORY

2 000 000 000 – Years ago a massive meteorite hit the area creating the Vredefort Dome south west of Johannesburg

3 500 000 – Years ago ‘Little Foot’ an early hunter, roamed across the Sterkfontein Valley

200 000 – Years ago another meteorite struck the area north of Pretoria to form the Tswaing (Soutpan) Crater.

1836 – Trekkers under Hendrik Potgieter cross the Vaal River moving north onto the highveld

1846 – Bloemfontein founded

1850 – Rustenburg founded

1852 – Transvaal independence (Sand River Convention, 17 January 1852, British recognition of the independence of the Voortrekker Republic north of the Vaal River).

1855 – Pretoria Founded

1862 – Founding of Heidelberg

1869 – Diamonds discovered near Kimberley

1873 – Discovery of gold near Lydenburg

1877 – Annexation of the Transvaal by Britain

1879 – Cetshwayo defeats the British Army at Isandlwana (Anglo Zulu War)

1880 – First War of Independence

1881 – Transvaal forces defeat the British at Majuba to regain qualified independence

1881 – Benoni founded

1882 – Gold discovered in the De Kaap Valley

1883 – Paul Kruger elected President of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR)

1884 – The London Convention restores full independence to the ZAR (Transvaal)

1885 – Gold discovered at Barberton

1886 – Discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, founding of Johannesburg

1887 – Krugersdorp founded

1888 – Discovery of coal near Springs

1890 – First tram service between Johannesburg and Springs

1891 - Meyerton established

1892 – Cape Town to Johannesburg rail link inaugurated

1892 – Vereeniging founded

1894 – Johannesburg to Delagoa Bay rail link inaugurated

1895 – The Jameson Raid

1895 – Johannesburg to Durban rail link opened

1899 – The Anglo Boer War. (Also South African War or Second War of Independence)

1902 – The Treaty of Vereniging signed on 31st May ending the South African War

1902 – Cecil John Rhodes dies

1904 – The death of Paul Kruger

1905 – The discovery of the Cullinan diamond

1910 – South Africa becomes a Union within the British Empire

1912 – African National Congress formed

1913 – Miners strike and violence on the Witwatersrand

1914 – First World War

1914 – Rebellion

1918 – Nelson Mandela born at Mvezo in the Transkei

1919 – Brakpan granted municipal status

1920 – Miners strike on the Witwatersrand

1920 – Depression (1920 – 1923)

1922 – General strike and rebellion on the Witwatersrand

1930 – The Great Depression (1930 – 1932)

1934 – ISCOR establishes the first steel works at Vanderbijlpark.

1940 – Alfred Zuma elected President of the ANC1941 – The formation of the African Mineworkers

1946 – Miners’ strike on the Witwatersrand

1950 – Group Areas Act promulgated

1952 – Vanderbijlpark obtains municipal status

1952 – Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo open the first Black law practice in South Africa

1955 – Freedom Charter signed at Kliptown, Johannesburg

1955 – First production of oil from coal at SASOL

1956 – The Treason Trail of political activist begins

1960 – Sharpeville massacre

1961 – South Africa becomes a Republic

1961 – Albert Luthuli awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

1963 – The Rivonia Trail begins with Nelson Mandela among the accused

1964 – Nelson Mandela imprisoned on Robben Island

1964 – Centurion (formerly Verwoerdburg) founded

1976 – The Soweto student uprising

1977 – Roodepoort achieves city status

1985 – COSATU formed

1990 – Nelson Mandela released from Robben Island

1991 – Abolition of the Group Areas Act

1993 – Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

1994 – South African General Election under a universal franchise won by the ANC

1994 – Nelson Mandela inaugurated as the first democratically elected President of South Africa

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Gauteng is situated high on the central highveld plateau of South Africa at an average altitude of 1500 m above sea level. The area, which has an average annual rainfall of 850 mm, enjoys a mean daily sunshine factor of 8,7 hours per day. One of the highest in the world. Daily temperatures range between an average midsummer (January) maximum of 26°c and an average winter (June) maximum of 16°c.

Gauteng lies in the summer rainfall area of South Africa, often resulting in spectacular afternoon thunderstorms sweeping across the highveld.

POPULATION AND LANGUAGES

Gauteng is the most densely populated province in South Africa with an average of 34,5 people per square kilometer giving a total population of more than seven million. The culture of the people is often reflected in their dress, their music and dance and their affiliations. For years, mineworkers have been recruited from across southern Africa and the world, bringing new cultures to an already complex society. The people of Gauteng have absorbed many of these foreign influences to create a very special identity which today is representative of the people of the province. Of all the provinces of South Africa, Gauteng is probably the most cosmopolitan. Every languages can be heard spoken in the streets of the towns and cities and it is difficult to isolate any single group as being more dominant than another. Over the years cultures have been fused with something from each being carried forward into a melting pot of traditions, language, music and attitudes. All nine official South African languages are spoken in Gauteng with most people understanding English, which has become the language of commerce and business. Many English words are unique to the country, but form a part of the province’s linguistic diversity. Suburbs in many of the towns often reflect the origins of the early settlers. Orange Grove in Johannesburg is strongly Jewish, Rosettenville, Portuguese and Fordsburg, Asian Muslim. In the larger townships, language groups have often formed loose residential associations to give support to one another. Traders from different nationalities became associated with different occupations, creating such universal terms as ‘Greek Shops’, to describe a corner grocery store.

GO SHOPPING

Gauteng has some of the finest shopping centres in South Africa. Modern malls, located across the province, offer the latest in fashion and designer wear, accessories and superb jewellery. These multi functional malls also feature cinemas, restaurants and, even health clubs at some of the locations. In some instances the malls are connected to leading hotels, by elevated walk ways for the convenience of guests.

Gauteng has a variety of craft markets where you can browse for great gifts and good bargains, all in an informal atmosphere. Some of the best bargains in African traditional sculpture, Ndebele beadwork and crafts can be found at roadside stalls, which are an ever growing phenomenon throughout Gauteng

The Market Square Precinct runs a weekend market featuring nearly 400 stalls, with a great atmosphere of African diversity and imagery in an art filled environment. Crafts include traditional wooden masks, clothing and handmade items. Live entertainment and great eating at Gramadoelas restaurant nearby.

The Michael Mount Organic Market in Braynston sells quality crafts made from natural products along with a tempting range of wholesome, organically grown food.

The Oriental bazaar in Fordsburg is a bargain hunter’s paradise.

South Africa, and particularly Gauteng, being amongst the largest producers of gold and diamonds in the world, can offer expert advice and products to the visitor. Visit Jewel City in downtown Johannesburg, where a splendid variety of diamonds is on sale directly from the cutters. The Johan Erikson Diamond Centre, an international god and diamond wholesaler in Kempton Park, provides a free mini bus service from leading hotels as a service to shoppers.

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Heritage

Mary Fitzgerald Square

Traditional meeting place of the trade unions. Named after ‘Pick handle Mary’ who carried a pick handle in support of protesting workers.

Museums

The historical heritage of Gauteng from the earliest days of settlement in the province is reflected today in the more than 60 museums housing such diverse collections as art, natural history, geology, photography, gold mining, military history and motor and transport to name but a few. A number of historic buildings, from modest pioneer dwellings to stately Victorian mansions, serves as a window on the province’s cultural and social past. Architectural treasures abound from the past and particularly the work of the renowned architect Herbert Baker. A number of successful art galleries promote the work of local artists bringing a valuable commercial element to the work of many struggling artists.

A ten stamp battery mill, once used to crush ore, is displayed at the site of the George Harrison’s 1886 discovery of the Witwatersrand’s main gold bearing reef.

James Hall Transport Museum (Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle)

A well selected and informative display of the transport history.

Katlehong Art Centre (Katlehong)

Exhibits extensive collection of modern township art.

Military History Museum (Saxonworld)

This excellent military museum houses a comprehensive collection of military material from the many wars and conflicts in which South Africans have participated.

Sibaya Zulu Boma (Kyalami)

A Zulu cultural village portraying an authentic African atmosphere. Visitors can experience the culture and lives of the Zulu people and share their customs and traditions.

Stationary Museum (Florida)

This museum, at the Len Rutter Park, houses one of the largest collections of miniature oil engines in southern Africa.

Vaal Teknorama (Vaal Triangle) - The only industrial museum in the country

THEATRES

Theatre in Gauteng is always exciting with plays, revues and dance to suite almost every taste. In Johannesburg, the Civic Theatre and the Market Theatre offer more avant garde productions. European, American and South African drama, comedy and musicals of the highest standard are presented on an almost continuous basis in the many theatres throughout the province. All the major newspapers carry listings of current productions.

Gauteng provides many choices for the music lover. South African choirs have attacked international acclaim while great jazz performances attract hundreds of patrons to the jazz venues adjoining the Market Theatre Precinct, the late night cafes and shebeens. World famous musicians like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg are household names.

The International Eisteddfod of South Africa, a biennial amateur festival of competitions, concerts and workshops in classical and traditional music and dance. Has become well known for it’s blend of African, American, Asian and European cultures. Roodepoort hosts the festival, which is regarded as one of the highlights on South Africa’s cultural calendar.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Lesedi Cultural Village

A rural cultural village set in bushveld surroundings representing many of the cultures of South Africa.

Local Vaal (Vaal Triangle)

Built in 1922, this vast water system provides southern Gauteng with over a billion litres of water daily. Also a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts.

The major feature of the Johannesburg Easter; a two week extravaganza of trade exhibitions, agricultural shows, amusement parks, dog shows, rock concerts, show jumping and more. A monorail transports visitors around the huge grounds.

Randpark Golf Club (Randpark)

With the largest membership in the country, Randpark Golf offers superb facilities.

Santarama Miniland (Rosettenville)

A wonderful recreation (in miniature) of some of South Africa’s famous buildings and landmarks, from Zulu huts to the Kimberley Big Hole and Jan van Riebeeck’s ship, the Drommedaris. Restaurant and souvenir shops.

Vaal River (Vaal Triangle)

The Vaal River offers scenic picnic and recreation sites among the willows lining it’s banks.

GAMBLING

There are seven licensed casinos in Gauteng, conveniently situated near major centres.

MODEL STEAM TRAINS

Steam is rapidly disappearing from South Africa’s railway, but with over 2000 model engines in the country the enthusiasm is strong and the hobby well supported.

Rand Society of Model Engineers

Len Rutler Park, off Gold Club Road in Florida Park. A wide selection of model steam engines on show.

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Contrary to popular belief, Gauteng offers a surprising selection of wildlife venues. Pretoria, Johannesburg and indeed the entire Gauteng province, have outstanding zoos, botanical gardens, game reserves and bird sanctuaries. Many of these conservation areas have opened hiking trails for the greater enjoyment of visitors. All are within a comparatively short drive from the major centres.

Lipizzaners (Kyalami)

World renowned white stallions. Indoor equestrian displays. Every Sunday at 11:00. Book through Computicket.

Melville Koppies (Melville)

Declared a nature reserve in 1959, this pristine koppie, in the heart of the city, is a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. The remains of an Iron Age furnace is of great archaeological interest. Open three Sundays a month.

Rondebult Bird Sanctuary (Germiston)

A wetland sanctuary for a wide variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Excellent hides are a feature of this sanctuary offering good photo opportunities.

SPORT

South Africa is a sporting nation and nowhere are the facilities better or the enthusiasm of the people greater than in Gauteng.

The year round five weather, which is a feature of the Gauteng climate, creates a natural opportunity for both players and fans to enjoy the sport of their choice. First class golf courses are numerous, most of which are open to the public. Tennis, squash and bowls are popular sports and are readily available at private clubs, schools and health centres.

For the lovers of horse riding, there are three racecourses – Turffontein in Johannesburg, Newmarket in Alberton and Gosforth Park in Germiston. South Africa has world class breeders and trainers who have developed the sport to the highest international standards.

Equestrian sports are also popular. Gauteng produces world class showjumpers and hosts a range of equestrian events from showjumping and dressage to cross country.

Kyalami, home to South Africa motor sport, has been shortlisted to host a Formula One Grand Prix. A range of water sports, including sailing and angling, are available on the many dams and lakes in Gauteng.

Road running and cycling are popular sports while numerous health clubs offer facilities for the less adventurous.

Soccer, rugby and cricket are major spectacular sports served by numerous stadiums. Athletics facilities are world class.